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Alternatives · Focus

Time Out alternatives

As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded Time Out alternative is Stretchly (3.0 GPA). It's also the best free one.

Time Out compared with 5 alternatives: Stretchly, Workrave, HazeOver, Vitamin-R and Focus Bear.

Time Out has a free plan. Paid plans start at $4.99 for 3 months of Supporter, paid once with no renewal. 3 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.

Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from

Black Friday: is there a Time Out sale?

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
Time OutThis toolFree plan · from $4.99/moYesmacOS
StretchlyFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
WorkraveFreeFreeWindows, Linux
HazeOverFree trial · from $4.99 one-timeTrial onlymacOS
Vitamin-RFree trial · from $29.95 one-timeTrial onlymacOS
Focus BearFree plan · from $9.99/moYesmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android

Price against what you get

Time Out starts at $1.66 a month and scores 2.3 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 3 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

Focus Bear scores higher without starting lower. Stretchly and Workrave start lower without scoring higher.

Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged

D1.0C2.0B3.0A4.0Free$0.5$1$2$5$10$20$50More for lessCosts more, scores moreCosts less, scores lessCosts more, scores lessTime OutStretchlyWorkraveFocus Bear

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

  • The best score at each price
  • Has a free plan
  • No free plan
The full chart of focus apps, and the best at every price

How each one differs from Time Out

  1. Stretchly

    Open-source break reminder for Mac, Windows and Linux

    • Stretchly is free.
    • Stretchly also lists Windows and Linux apps.
    • Stretchly is open source, according to its own site.

    Suits: Desk workers who want regular eye and posture breaks

    Stretchly vs Time OutStretchly pricing and details

  2. Workrave

    Free RSI-prevention break reminder with daily usage limits

    • Workrave is free.
    • Workrave also lists Windows and Linux apps.
    • Workrave lists no macOS app, which Time Out has.
    • Workrave is open source, according to its own site.
    • Workrave also covers time tracking.

    Suits: People managing or preventing repetitive strain

    Workrave vs Time OutWorkrave pricing and details

  3. HazeOver

    Mac utility that dims every window except the active one

    • HazeOver starts at $4.99 one-time purchase.
    • HazeOver has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike Time Out.

    Suits: Large or multiple displays, where the active window is easy to lose

    HazeOver vs Time OutHazeOver pricing and details

  4. Vitamin-R

    Time-boxing and Pomodoro timer for the Mac

    • Vitamin-R starts at $29.95 one-time purchase (Single User license).
    • Vitamin-R has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike Time Out.
    • Vitamin-R also covers Pomodoro timer, time tracking and focus music.

    Suits: People who keep postponing vague or intimidating tasks

    Vitamin-R vs Time OutVitamin-R pricing and details

  5. Focus Bear

    Distraction blocker and guided routines built for ADHD brains

    • Focus Bear starts at $9.99 / month, billed monthly.
    • Focus Bear also lists Windows, iOS and Android apps.
    • Focus Bear also covers tasks, site & app blocker, Pomodoro timer, focus music and habit tracking.
    • Focus Bear does not cover menu bar app, which Time Out does.

    Suits: People with ADHD or autism who want guided routines, not only a blocker

    Focus Bear vs Time OutFocus Bear pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Time Out

  • Mac only; version 4.0 needs macOS 26.0 or later (an older 2.9.7 build is for macOS 10.15+).
  • The Mac App Store edition also offers monthly and yearly Premium subscriptions; their prices were not read.
  • Premium features added later need a Supporter term or Lifetime.
  • Also included in Setapp.
Time Out pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Time Out?

The alternatives to Time Out in this directory are Stretchly, Workrave, HazeOver, Vitamin-R and Focus Bear. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Time Out.

Is there a free alternative to Time Out?

Yes. Stretchly and Workrave are free to use. Focus Bear has a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which Time Out alternatives work on Windows?

The Time Out listing does not include a Windows app. Stretchly, Workrave and Focus Bear list one.

Which Time Out alternatives work on Linux?

The Time Out listing does not include a Linux app. Stretchly and Workrave list one.

Is there an open-source alternative to Time Out?

Stretchly and Workrave are described as open source on their own sites.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 6, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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